HELP!!! Alternator for '97 car; what fits?

[RAQ45t]

I just ordered a used alternator for my '97 Q45t.

THEN found the production date of 10/96 it has,lists with the dealer only 7'96 to 1'97,not the '98 one I bought and was told by yard fits, and ordered sent by the salvage yard. ALSO told the later one is a replacement part that will fit all up to '99 from someone else there. Any one know for sure ASAP??? [email protected] ,or 561-445-3189 Thanks, Bob G.

[NightRiderQ45]

The one you purchased is clearly for the 96 model Q45. The junkyard stuck it to you with this purchase. They clearly just wanted the sale and didn't care about it fitting your car. That's one thing with junkyards, you have to know EXACTLY what you need once you get there. I purchased an alternator for my 98 from Advance Auto for $100 over 3yrs ago and it's still going strong. I didn't want to buy that part from a used/salvage car that already had wear & tear on it.

Honestly I would try to get my money back or make sure that they send you the correct part. Good Luck!

[RAQ45t]

I spent 30 years with BMWs,but don't know much about build dates for Infiniti. BMW starts the new year's cars as of August the year before.('97s would start off the assembly line in 9/96.),and this car IS titled a '97 from the original owner. Have NO idea when Infiniti starts it's run on Q45's. ....... Does anyone know indeed,whether the later part may fit?...

I HAVE had that work several times on BMWs,where they superceed a part that has only about a six to 8 month window,as this one does. Infiniti says the OEM part# is listed only for that small time frame.NOT for all '96's or '97s,but starts the newer small run until Jan.'97 date,which then 'later goes 1/97's to '99 fit with another part#. I'm not sure just WHAT I've got,and AM trying to stop the Paypal debit transaction done a few hours ago,(if possible)not likely on my own. Until I can find out just what DOES fit this car,besides the OEM numbered part. WES(elwesso) thought it would fit,so I ordered it.Now not so sure,since I get conflicting info. The salvage yard has said they might hold the transaction 24/48 hrs until sure,(but PayPal has it already listed and deducted from my balance as "pending"),which the yard really did honestly it seems. Bob G.

[maxnix]

There is a recall in a TSB on the early 1997 alternators. Yours may have been covered. The part may have been superceded.

ITB02-043

1997 Q45: JNKBY31A*VM302166 - 3029611998 Q45: JNKBY31A*WM401283 - 405347JNKBY31A*WM500004 - 501697

INTRODUCTIONNissan Motor Company, Ltd. has determined that on some 1997 and 1998 model year Infiniti Q45 and I30vehicles, there is a possibility that the alternator may contain a damaged diode. This could result in anelectrical short in the diode assembly which may cause a fire in the alternator that could spread to the enginecompartment. To prevent this condition from occurring, Infiniti is conducting a Voluntary Safety RecallCampaign to inspect and, if necessary, replace the alternator.IDENTIFICATION NUMBERNissan has assigned identification number R2009 to this campaign. This number must appear on allcommunications and documentation of any nature dealing with this campaign.NUMBER OF VEHICLES POTENTIALLY AFFECTEDThe number of vehicles potentially affected is approximately 6,000 for Q45

Repair Flow ChartWhich vehicle are you working on?Q45 (FY33) I30 (CA32)Replace the alternator.Refer to the "Q45 Alternator ReplacementProcedure" on page 4.Determine the color of the alternatoridentification label. Refer to Figure 1 below.What color is the label?Red or Green Silver The alternator does NOT need tobe replaced. Submit an inspection claim andreturn the vehicle to the customer. Refer to the "ClaimsInformation" section of thisbulletin for details aboutsubmitting an inspection claim.Return the old alternator "core". Referto the "Alternator Core ReturnInformation" on page 17. Replace the alternator with theone specified in the "PartsInformation" table. Refer to the "I30 AlternatorReplacement Procedure" onpage 11.EndEndReturn the old alternator "core". Refer tothe "Alternator Core Return Information"on page 17.Use Infiniti-Net to make sure the vehicle you areworking on is affected by this campaign.EndFigure 1 (applies to I30 ONLY)Timing chaincover"B" Terminalrubber bootcoverCam coverLR1110-709B12V110AHITACHI23100 0L701SLGreen or Red LabelSilver LabelTP020315aFront2310M 0L701RLR1110-709BMR026REMANUFACTUREDNote: The P/Ns on this label examplemay differ from the ones on the vehicleyou are working on.Made in Japan.Remanufactured in U.S.A."B" Terminal RubberBoot Cover ShownRemovedLR1110-709B12V110AHITACHI23100 0L701SLAlternator

Whole 11 pages including diagrams on servicing.

[RAQ45t]

Seems I'm OK... both WES(thanks VERY much foryour help!) AND another dealer said the part IS INDEED superceded by the later one,so I'm OK.

Thanks all of you for your concern.

Like Wes,if any of you have earlier BMWs, I can and would be delighted to help.I still have connections for those all over the US.,and was an expert on modifying them for street and/or track use,as well as a track instructor.

BobG.

[maxnix]

Already got rid of the 1970 2800 CSa. Owned it 32 years, but didn't have the facilities nor the time to restore it.